Peeps,

 I’m not a scrupulous follower of the R’n'B scene in general, of the Bad Boy Records roster in particular. But, man, that Carl Thomas really made me raise an eyebrow or two, I can’t front. First it was the hook to ‘The World Is Filled’ on Biggie’s second album. Then, the smooth vocalising on Puffy’s ‘Been Around The World’ remix with Mase. His first hit, ‘I Wish’ (2000), got us all singing off-key “And I wish I never met her at all!..”, ask Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige. And his unexplainably overlooked contribution to Capone n Noreaga’s ‘The Reunion’ album intro, a superb rendition of Sam Cooke’s classic ‘Change Is Gonna Come’, was absolutely perfect. Matter fact, he even featured on my personal favourite R’n'B record of the naughties, the almost faultless ‘Touch’ album, by Amerie.

(I’m breaking down all these songs precisely because if, god forbid, you were not familiar with them by now, I’d strongly advise that you run to your iTunes store or Limewire RIGHT NOW.)

   I don’t understand what made Carl fall suddenly off the radar around 2003. His second album (as well as his third, apparently) went almost completely unnoticed. Seems that the tragic loss of his brother affected him so bad that he didn’t want to do any promotion anymore. Consequently, Bad Boy dropped him off and he hasn’t been seen much around ever since. I feel truly blue for Mr Thomas as I think he is one of the most gifted male vocalist in the genre today and his career story could be used as an itchy sticky note for the rest of us, word to Black Rob.

   Carl, hope to hear some new music from you soon,

     Mehdi.

PS: Picture by D-Nice from the Boogie Down Productions, check where his head’s at HERE

   KARLITO was another signee of my old label ESPIONNAGE, and yet another of my favorite rapper to work with. Although we only did one album together (CONTENU SOUS PRESSION-meaning CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE), I have many stories to tell about our collaboration. Karlito and I spent a whole year together travelling around the world, writing songs for 113’s second album, my own first LP, and his record at the same time. I packed the most portable equipment possible at the time (2000/2001), and booked flights for New-York, Rome, Spain, wherever we thought we could just chase some ladies and make some music. Really one of my most prolific time, and the watching of this video (directed by Eliza Levy) brings back the good ol’days feeling instantly.

   Here’s another video we shot for this album, directed by Alex Wise:

   The album wasn’t a huge commercial success but the music and this video gained quite a wide recognition (as of 2001 standards!..) and somewhat of a good following around Karlito’s later works. I haven’t spoke to him in a long time but I wish him the very best as he is most definitely one of the most abstract and talented cat I’ve ever crossed paths with.

   Karl, this one goes to you,

     Mehdi.

   In the world ‘Now Whats’, obviously Biggs is no Thora Birch. I mean, the man is a huge star, and although I was never a fan of the AMERICAN PIE movies, you have to admit that he got the job done. I couldn’t help finding the guy ’sympathetic’ if you may. He has that proper A-Trak-meets-young-Tom-Hanks look, nice guy appeal, the kind of actor you can imagine in any role where the average Joe has an appointment with a bigger destiny (who the hell is SHIA LABEOUF??).

   Yesterday I watched ‘ANYTHING ELSE’, and found it my own favorite of the Woody Allen 2000’s movies. Part of it because Christina Ricci is absolutely irresistible in it, part of it because Allen’s writing and acting in there is just too funny. And moreover, because you can’t overlook Biggs performance as a young Woody-like character, with the same goofy, attention-drawing manners that make the watching of this movie the joy of any rainy afternoon.

   You might know my M.O. by now, I had to do my little research straight up: what has Jason Biggs been doing since 2003? Well, not much. A couple of cameos in TV series, three ’straight-to-DVD’ movies, and apparently two flicks with Eva Longoria that have never crossed the Atlantic. If it wasn’t for the news of a recent marriage with Jenny Mollen, I would say it sounds like a one-way ticket to weight-doubling, rehab in-and-outing, and more DVD movies with Maggie Wheeler or what have you. Word to Chandler Bing.

   Jason, quoi d’neuf?

     M.

   Gaspard Augé aka Gaspirator is the essence of the Cool Cat. Not only he’s a great artist and musician, he is just a great SOUL. We at Coolcats.fr love him to bits. I personally owe him and Xavier BIG TIME. I like to think of him as our own Barack Obama, only bigger and blacker.

   Gass, Stay black my brother,

     Mehdi.